SPECIAL: Popes Pius XII, John Paul II declared 'venerable'
December 19, 2009
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In a series of decrees issued on December 19, the Vatican has approved miracles allowing for the canonization of five people and the beatification of five others. The Vatican also recognized the 1984 murder of Father Jerzy Popieluszko by Communist intelligence officers as a martyrdom, preparing the way for his beatification.
The decrees, approved by Pope Benedict XVI during a private audience with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, also proclaimed that ten other candidates for sainthood had lived lives of heroic virtue. Those decrees make the candidates eligible for beatification if a miracle is attributed to their intercession.
The two decrees commanding the greatest public attention were those recognizing the heroic virtue of Pope Pius XII, who reigned from 1939 to 1958, and Pope John Paul II, who reigned from 1978 to 2005.
Five of the December 19 decrees testified to the authenticity of miracles attributed to candidates who have already been beatified, and are now qualified for canonization. They are:
The Congregation also approved miracles for five other candidates who, like Father Popieluszko, will now be scheduled for beatification:
In addition, the Congregation declared the heroic virtue of Bl. Giacomo Illirico da Bitetto, a Franciscan.
The Congregation also proclaimed the heroic virtue of nine others, who now qualify for the title "Venerable" and may be beatified with the approval of a miracle:
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Posted by: adamah -
Dec. 19, 2009 3:28 PM ET USA
Glory! I am elated that Pius XII and John Paul II are being recognized for their sanctity. I am also pleased Bl. Andre is in his way to canonization.
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Posted by: [email protected] -
Dec. 19, 2009 9:59 AM ET USA
It is good to know that God is still working in power, in spite of, or because of mans misunderstanding of His Love.